Smokeless tobacco composition

ABSTRACT

A smokeless tobacco composition that contains bleached tobacco material in which at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No.PCT/GB2020/050599, filed Mar. 11, 2020 which claims priority from GBPatent Application No. 1903291.1 filed Mar. 11, 2019, each of which ishereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a smokeless tobacco composition, andto a process for producing the smokeless tobacco composition.

BACKGROUND

Tobacco fermentation is generally a process that starts spontaneouslysoon after the tobacco is harvested. As tobacco fermentation was earlyon found to enhance certain properties of the tobacco, such as smell andtaste, this spontaneous process is frequently consciously stimulated invarious industrial processes in the course of tobacco production.

However, tobacco fermentation—spontaneous as well as industriallystimulated—also has the effect of generating undesired by-products, suchas for instance tobacco-specific nitrosamines, abbreviated TSNA.

It would be desirable to be able to provide an improved smokelesstobacco composition. For example, it would be desirable to provide asmokeless tobacco composition that can easily be provided with suchdesirable properties as is associated with tobacco fermentation, such asenhanced smell and taste, while not being burdened by the undesired sideeffects of tobacco fermentation. It would also be desirable to provide asmokeless tobacco composition having improved physical properties toenhance the user's experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provideda smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material,wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has aparticle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provideda process for the production of a smokeless tobacco composition asdefined herein, the process comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing unbleached tobacco material;    -   (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached        tobacco material; and    -   (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least        50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle        size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provideda smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by the processcomprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing unbleached tobacco material;    -   (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached        tobacco material; and    -   (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least        50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle        size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

For ease of reference, these and further aspects of the presentdisclosure are now discussed under appropriate section headings.However, the teachings under each section are not necessarily limited toeach particular section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to theparticular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed hereinas such configurations, process steps, and materials may vary somewhat.It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is usedfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to be limiting since the scope of the present disclosure willbe limited only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “about”modifying the quantity of an ingredient in the tobacco material ortobacco compositions of the disclosure or employed in the methods of thedisclosure refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur,for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling proceduresused for making concentrates or use solutions in the real world; throughinadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in themanufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make thetobacco material or tobacco compositions, or to carry out the methods;and the like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ dueto different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from aparticular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”,the claims include equivalents to the quantities.

In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “bleached”refers to an object, such as for instance a tobacco material, such as atobacco raw material, whose visible color has been reduced by any knownmethod for this purpose, such as by washing with one or more solvents,or treatment with one or more bleaching agents, or any combinationthereof.

In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “fermentablecarbohydrates” refers to carbohydrates that can be metabolically brokendown in and by the human body. For example, the term “fermentablecarbohydrate” may encompass starch, glucose, fructose and sucrose.

In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the term “oral” inconnection to a product refers to a product which, in normal use, issuited to be placed somewhere in the oral cavity of the user, forexample under the lips, in the same way as moist snuff products aregenerally used.

The ranges provided herein provide preferred amounts of each of thecomponents. Each of these ranges may be taken alone or combined with oneor more other component ranges to provide a preferred aspect of thedisclosure.

Composition

As described herein, the smokeless tobacco composition comprisesbleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of thebleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mm toabout 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is a bleached tobaccoraw material.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in anamount of from about 0.001% to about 50% by weight of the smokelesstobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco materialis present in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 40% by weight ofthe smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleachedtobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.001% to about30% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments,the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about0.001% to about 20% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. Insome embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amountof from about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material ispresent in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of thesmokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobaccomaterial is present in an amount of from about 0.05% to about 10% byweight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, thebleached tobacco material is present in an amount of from about 0.1% toabout 10% by weight of the smokeless tobacco composition. In someembodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in an amount offrom about 0.5% to about 9% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material ispresent in an amount of from about 1% to about 8% by weight of thesmokeless tobacco composition. In some embodiments, the bleached tobaccomaterial is present in an amount of from about 2% to about 7% by weightof the smokeless tobacco composition.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is present in anamount of from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is as described in WO2015/150506, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material comprises less thanabout 4 weight-%, such as less than about 2 weight-%, such as less thanabout 1 weight-%, of fermentable carbohydrates, calculated on the drytotal weight of the bleached tobacco material. In some embodiments, thebleached tobacco material comprises starch, glucose, fructose andsucrose in a total combined amount of less than about 4 weight-%, suchas less than about 2 weight-%, such as less than about 1 weight-% of thebleached tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an ISO brightnessthat is not less than about 60, such as not less than about 70, such asnot less than about 80, as measured according to ISO 2470:1999.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a smokeless tobaccocomposition that comprises a bleached tobacco material (such as ableached tobacco raw material) that is substantially free from undesiredsubstances, as described in WO 2015/150506, which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety. For example, in some embodiments, thesmokeless tobacco composition comprises:

less than about 7.0 mg/kg nitrite; and/or

less than about 2.0 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine)and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and/or

less than about 10.0 μg/kg NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine); and/or

less than about 5.0 μg/kg B(a)P (Benzo(a)pyrene); and/or

less than about 1.0 mg/kg Cd; and/or

less than about 2.0 mg/kg Pb; and/or

less than about 0.5 mg/kg As; and/or

less than about 3.0 mg/kg Ni; and/or

less than about 4.5 mg/kg Cr;

calculated on the dry total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In one embodiment the smokeless tobacco composition comprises

less than about 3.5 mg/kg nitrite; and/or

less than about 1.0 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine)and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and/or

less than about 5.0 μg/kg NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine); and/or

less than about 2.5 μg/kg B(a)P (Benzo(a)pyrene); and/or

less than about 0.5 mg/kg Cd; and/or

less than about 1.0 mg/kg Pb; and/or

less than about 0.25 mg/kg As; and/or

less than about 1.5 mg/kg Ni; and/or

less than about 2.25 mg/kg Cr;

calculated on the dry total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In one embodiment the smokeless tobacco composition comprises

less than about 1.0 mg/kg nitrite; and/or

less than about 0.2 mg/kg combined amount of NNN (N-nitrosonornicotine)and NNK ((4-methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone); and/or

less than about 0.6 μg/kg NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine); and/or

less than about 0.6 μg/kg B(a)P (benzo(a)pyrene); and/or

less than about 0.1 mg/kg Cd; and/or

less than about 0.1 mg/kg Pb; and/or

less than about 0.1 mg/kg As; and/or

less than about 0.1 mg/kg Ni; and/or

less than about 0.1 mg/kg Cr;

calculated on the dry total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In one embodiment the smokeless tobacco composition comprises a combinedamount of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 that does not exceed 0.01 mg/kg,calculated on the dry total weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material is particulate. Asused herein, the term “particulate” means that the average length towidth ratio of particles of the material is less than 2:1, such as lessthan 1.5:1, such as about 1:1. In some embodiments the particles of thebleached tobacco material are substantially spherical. In someembodiments, the bleached tobacco material is granular.

As described herein, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. Insome embodiments, the particle size is measured by sieve analysis.Therefore, in some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleachedtobacco particles have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis offrom about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm,such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mmto about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of thebleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured bysieve analysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco particleshave a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such asfrom about 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm,such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mmto about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, at least 60% by weight of the bleached tobacco particleshave a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such asfrom about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 60% byweight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. asmeasured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such asfrom about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mmto about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm,such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mmto about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, at least 70% by weight of the bleached tobacco particleshave a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such asfrom about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 70% byweight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. asmeasured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such asfrom about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mmto about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm,such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mmto about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, at least 80% by weight of the bleached tobacco particleshave a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such asfrom about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 80% byweight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. asmeasured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such asfrom about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mmto about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm,such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mmto about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco particleshave a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such asfrom about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 90% byweight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. asmeasured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such asfrom about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mmto about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm,such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mmto about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, at least 95% by weight of the bleached tobacco particleshave a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such asfrom about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 95% byweight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. asmeasured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such asfrom about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mmto about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm,such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mmto about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, at least 99% by weight of the bleached tobacco particleshave a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such asfrom about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% byweight of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. asmeasured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10 mm, such asfrom about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mm to about 10mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.5 mmto about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, approximately 100% by weight of the bleachedtobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieveanalysis) of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm toabout 40 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such asfrom about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. Insome embodiments, approximately 100% by weight of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm,such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments,approximately 100% by weight of the bleached tobacco particles have aparticle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mmto about 10 mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as fromabout 1.3 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm,such as from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight, such as at least 60% byweight, such as at least 70% by weight, such as at least 80% by weight,such as at least 90% by weight, such as at least 95% by weight, such asat least 99% by weight, such as approximately 100% by weight of thebleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured bysieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about1.5 mm to about 9 mm, such as from about 1.5 mm to about 8 mm, such asfrom about 2 mm to about 7 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 6 mm,such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about4 mm.

In some embodiments, at least 70% of the bleached tobacco particles havea particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mmto about 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least 70% of the bleachedtobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieveanalysis) of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, atleast 95% of the bleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g.as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. Insome embodiments, at least 95% of the bleached tobacco particles have aparticle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm toabout 5 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% of the bleached tobaccoparticles have a particle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) offrom about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, at least 99% of thebleached tobacco particles have a particle size (e.g. as measured bysieve analysis) of from about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

The particle size of the bleached tobacco material may be measured bysieve analysis. As the skilled person will readily appreciate, sieveanalysis (otherwise known as a gradation test) is a method used tomeasure the particle size distribution of a particulate material.Typically, sieve analysis involves a nested column of sieves whichcomprise screens, preferably in the form of wire mesh cloths. Apre-weighed sample may be introduced into the top or upper-most sieve inthe column, which has the largest screen openings or mesh size (i.e. thelargest pore diameter of the sieve). Each lower sieve in the column hasprogressively smaller screen openings or mesh sizes than the sieveabove. Typically, at the base of the column of sieves is a receiverportion to collect any particles having a particle size smaller than thescreen opening size or mesh size of the bottom or lowermost sieve in thecolumn (which has the smallest screen opening or mesh size).

In some embodiments, the column of sieves may be placed on or in amechanical agitator. The agitator causes the vibration of each of thesieves in the column. The mechanical agitator may be activated for apre-determined period of time in order to ensure that all particles arecollected in the correct sieve. In some embodiments, the column ofsieves is agitated for a period of time from 0.5 minutes to 10 minutes,such as from 1 minute to 10 minutes, such as from 1 minute to 5 minutes,such as for approximately 3 minutes.

Once the agitation of the sieves in the column is complete, the materialcollected on each sieve is weighed. The weight of each sample on eachsieve may then be divided by the total weight in order to obtain apercentage of the mass retained on each sieve.

As the skilled person will readily appreciate, the screen opening sizesor mesh sizes for each sieve in the column used for sieve analysis maybe selected based on the granularity or known maximum/minimum particlesizes of the sample to be analysed.

In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for sieve analysis,wherein the column comprises from 2 to 20 sieves, such as from 5 to 15sieves. In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for sieveanalysis, wherein the column comprises 10 sieves.

In some embodiments, the largest screen opening or mesh sizes of thesieve(s) used for sieve analysis may be about 50 mm, such as about 40mm, such as about 30 mm, such as about 20 mm, such as about 10 mm, suchas about 9 mm, such as about 8 mm, such as about 7 mm, such as about 6mm, such as about 5 mm, such as about 4 mm. In some embodiments, thelargest screen opening or mesh size of the sieve(s) is about 10 mm suchthat at least about 50% by weight, such as at least about 70% by weight,such as at least 95% by weight, such as approximately 100% by weight ofthe particles have a particle size of no greater than about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the smallest screen opening or mesh size of thesieve(s) used is about 1 mm, such as about 2 mm. As such, any particlesthat have a particle size of less than 1 mm, and thus pass through thissieve, may be collected and discarded. These smaller particles or“fines” may be collected and discarded (or used in other products). Assuch, at least about 50% by weight, such as at least about 70% byweight, such as at least 95% by weight, such as approximately 100% byweight of the particles have a particle size of at least about 1 mm.

In some embodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an averageparticle size (e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1 mm toabout 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm, such as from about1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such asfrom about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 5 mm,such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, the bleachedtobacco material has an average particle size (e.g. as measured by sieveanalysis) of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mmto about 5 mm, such as from about 2.5 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, the bleached tobacco material has an average particle size(e.g. as measured by sieve analysis) of from about 1.1 mm to about 10mm, such as from about 1.2 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1.3 mmto about 10 mm, such as from about 1.4 mm to about 10 mm, such as fromabout 1.5 mm to about 10 mm.

It has been surprisingly found by the present inventors that theinclusion of a bleached tobacco material having a particle size asdefined herein provides a smokeless tobacco composition which issuitable for use as a chewing tobacco, and which does not discolour theuser's fingers, and—in the case of oral smokeless tobacco products—doesnot discolour the user's teeth. Indeed, the composition having suchbleached tobacco material may be able to be moulded and formed intoshapes by the user's teeth, whilst also not breaking down and/ordisintegrating in the user's mouth when chewed or masticated.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition further comprisesan alginate composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobaccocomposition contains an alginate composition of the kind, and in the waydescribed in WO 2010/114445, the contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference. More specifically, the oral smokeless tobaccocomposition according to this embodiment contains an alginatecomposition, distributed in the product and comprising at least water,alginate and an added substance intended to be released from the productwhen said product is used, said composition containing an alginatematrix that retains at least a major proportion of the added substanceso long as the matrix is intact, and the alginate matrix being formed soas to disintegrate and/or dissolve in the chemical and physicalenvironment that exists in a user's mouth. In some embodiments, thealginate contains an alginate salt of monovalent cations. In someembodiments, the alginate is soluble in cold water. The added substancemay be one or more substances belonging to any of the followingcategories, or combinations thereof: API (active pharmaceuticalsubstances), food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, flavoringsubstances, natural medicaments or naturally occurring substances thatcan have an effect on humans. Examples of such substances are green tea,white tea, caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperin, Q10,selenium, glutathione, liponic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollenextract, antioxidants, minerals, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid,Russian root, and rose root. In some embodiments, the added substancemay comprise nicotine, cannabis, a cannabinoid, or mixtures thereof

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition comprises guargum. In such embodiments, the guar gum may be present in an amount offrom about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amountof from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amountof from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amountof from about 1% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amountof from about 2% to about 8% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amountof from about 2.5% to about 7.5% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amountof from about 3% to about 7% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition. In some embodiments, the guar gum is present in an amountof from about 4% to about 6% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition.

It has been surprisingly found by the present inventors that theinclusion of guar gum in combination with a bleached tobacco materialhaving a particle size as defined herein provides a smokeless tobaccocomposition which has improved moldability, and thus provides animproved sensorial experience when chewed by the user. As used herein,the term “moldable ” means that the composition can be pushed and formedinto different shapes by the user's hands or teeth, without requiringany additional mechanical means and without cracking and/or crumbling.For example, the composition including guar gum may have a softer, moredough-like texture and thus be easier and more comfortable for the userto chew. The inclusion of guar gum has also been surprisingly found toimprove the rate of release of active ingredients (e.g. nicotine and/orflavorings) from the composition by the mechanical pressure of chewing.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may furthercomprise guar gum or an alginate composition. In some embodiments, thesmokeless tobacco composition may further comprise a combination of guargum and an alginate composition. The amounts of either or bothcomponents may be as defined hereinabove.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition may be providedin the form of a loose powder. One advantage of the smokeless tobaccocomposition comprising the bleached tobacco material as defined hereinis that it provides for tobacco products that does not discolour theuser's fingers, and—in the case of oral smokeless tobacco products—doesnot discolour the user's teeth.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is nasal snuff,i.e. snuff products suited for nasal administration. Therefore, in someembodiments, there is provided a nasal snuff which comprises bleachedtobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobaccomaterial has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is an oralsmokeless tobacco composition (i.e. one which is suitable for placinginto the mouth of the user). Therefore, in some embodiments, there isprovided an oral smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleachedtobacco material, wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobaccomaterial has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. The oralsmokeless tobacco composition may be or comprise, but is not limited to,moist snuff such as snus, chewing tobacco, sucking tobacco (commonlyreferred to as “lutsch-tabak”), oral dry snuff, or hard snuff.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition comprisessnus.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition is chewingtobacco.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition may be achewing tobacco which further comprises a gum base. The gum base may bechosen among—but is not limited to—commercial chewing gum bases, bubblegum bases, and natural gum base materials.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition may be achewing tobacco having the characteristics as defined hereinabove. Insome embodiments, there is provided an oral smokeless chewing tobaccocomposition comprising bleached tobacco material, wherein at least 50%by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of fromabout 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the chewing tobaccocomposition may further comprise guar gum and/or an alginate compositionas defined hereinabove.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oralchewing tobacco) may comprise salt (sodium chloride) and/or otherflavorants.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oralsmokeless chewing tobacco composition) further comprises one or moreadditives selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride,xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose, flavoring agents, sodiumbicarbonate and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the smokelesstobacco composition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobaccocomposition) further comprises sodium chloride. In some embodiments, thesmokeless tobacco composition further comprises flavoring agents. Insome embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oralsmokeless chewing tobacco composition) further comprises xylitol. Insome embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition further comprisessodium bicarbonate. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobaccocomposition (such as an oral smokeless chewing tobacco composition)further comprises microcrystalline cellulose.

The oral smokeless tobacco composition (such as an oral smokelesschewing tobacco composition) may comprise additives chosen among—but notlimited to—one or more substances belonging to any of the followingcategories, or combinations thereof: API (active pharmaceuticalsubstances), food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients, flavoringsubstances, natural medicaments or naturally occurring substances thatcan have an effect on humans. Examples of such substances are green tea,white tea, caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, bioperin, Q10,selenium, glutathione, liponic acid, folic acid, ginseng, pollenextract, antioxidants, minerals, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid,Russian root, and rose root.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition (such as anoral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) comprises an activesubstance; for example, the composition may comprise nicotine, cannabis,a cannabinoid, or mixtures thereof

Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic chemical compoundswhich act on cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) in cells thatrepress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Two of the most importantcannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring (Phytocannabinoids) from plantssuch as cannabis, (endocannabinoids) from animals, and artificiallymanufactured (Synthetic cannabinoids).

Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules exhibiting particular properties suchas the ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, weak toxicity,and few side effects.

Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, andare divided into subclasses, including cannabigerols, cannabichromenes,cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinols and cannabinodiols, andother cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, without limitation: cannabigerol(CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL),cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin(CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerolmonomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA),Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO),tetrahydrocannabmolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid(THCV A).

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition (such as anoral smokeless chewing tobacco composition) further comprises nicotinein addition to the nicotine naturally present in the bleached tobaccomaterial.

The oral smokeless tobacco composition may be provided in baked orcompressed form, from which portions may be punched or pressed inportions, such as lozenges or tablets.

In some embodiments, the smokeless oral tobacco product can be providedto the user in a portioned format. In some embodiments, the smokelesstobacco composition is surrounded by a pouch. For example, chewingtobacco may be prepared by sealing the tobacco material in a permeablepouch.

A pouch holds the tobacco material in place, while at the same timeallowing substances such as flavours and nicotine to diffuse through thepouch and into the mouth of the user for absorption through the user'smucous membranes. In some embodiments in which the smokeless tobaccocomposition is a chewing tobacco, the flavours and/or nicotine may bereleased from the composition upon chewing of the product by the user.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition can be providedto the user in a non-portioned format. In one embodiment, the smokelesstobacco composition is packaged in loose form in a container, such as acan, sachet or tin.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition may beprovided in loose form or in the form of portion-size sachets. In someembodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition is provided as aloose powder. In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobaccocomposition is provided as a powder that is contained in a pouch.Therefore, in some embodiments, there is provided a pouched oralsmokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material,wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has aparticle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the oral smokeless tobacco composition is in theform of a powder, either provided as a loose powder or in pouches. Theoral smokeless tobacco composition may be particulate (either as loosepowder or encased in a pouch). In some embodiments, at least 50% of theparticles of oral smokeless tobacco composition have a particle size offrom about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 40 mm,such as from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 1 mmto about 5 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In someembodiments, at least 50% of the particles of oral smokeless tobaccocomposition have a particle size of from about 1.5 mm to about 10 mm,such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm.

As a further alternative the oral smokeless tobacco composition may havea film-like form.

The smokeless tobacco composition may have a pH of about 7-12, such asabout 8-12, such as about 8-9.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition has a watercontent of from about 5% to about 60%, such as from about 20% to about60%, such as from about 40 to about 55%, such as from about 45% to about55%, such as from about 45% to about 50% by weight of the smokelesstobacco composition. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobaccocomposition has a water content of from about 40% to about 60% by weightof the smokeless tobacco composition.

Also described herein is a smokeless product, which comprisesnon-tobacco plant material, wherein at least 50% by weight of thenon-tobacco plant material has a particle size of from about 1 mm toabout 50 mm, but wherein the composition does not comprise tobacco. Inother words, described herein is a smokeless non-tobacco productcomprising non-tobacco plant material, wherein at least 50% by weight ofthe non-tobacco plant material has a particle size of from about 1 mm toabout 50 mm. The non-tobacco plant material may be selected from thegroup consisting of maize, oat, tomato, barley, rye, sugar beet, buckwheat, potato, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, apple, cocoa, bamboo,citrus, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco plantmaterial is or comprises cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, ormixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco plant material isor comprises microcrystalline cellulose. In some embodiments, thesmokeless non-tobacco product comprises nicotine. In some embodiments,the smokeless non-tobacco product comprises guar gum. In someembodiments, the smokeless non-tobacco product comprises an alginatecomposition. Therefore, in some embodiments, the smokeless non-tobaccoproduct comprises non-tobacco plant material, guar gum and nicotine. Thesmokeless non-tobacco product may comprise each of the features asdescribed hereinabove, with the exception that said product includesnon-tobacco plant material as a replacement for the bleached tobaccomaterial as described herein.

Process

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided aprocess for the production of a smokeless tobacco composition comprisingthe steps of:

-   -   (a) providing unbleached tobacco material;    -   (b) bleaching the unbleached tobacco material to form bleached        tobacco material; and    -   (c) recovering the bleached tobacco material such that at least        50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has a particle        size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the process is for the production of the smokelesstobacco composition as described hereinabove.

In some embodiments, the unbleached tobacco material is or comprises cuttobacco. In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the unbleachedtobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm. In someembodiments, the at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobaccomaterial has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such asfrom about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm,such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, theunbleached tobacco material has the same particle size distribution asthe resultant bleached tobacco material, for example as measured bysieve analysis.

In some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobaccomaterial comprises the steps of:

(i) treating unbleached tobacco material at an acidic pH with an acid;and

(ii) contacting the unbleached tobacco material with a bleaching agentat a temperature range of from about 50° C. to about 95° C.

In some embodiments, the amount of bleaching agent used may be anysuitable amount to cause bleaching of the tobacco material. In someembodiments, the amount of bleaching agent may be from about 2% to about15% by weight of the resulting mixture. For example, the total amount ofbleaching agent may, for instance, be about 30-250 kg per ton tobaccomaterial (calculated as pure bleaching agent), specifically about 50-200kg per ton tobacco material. In some embodiments, the unbleached tobaccomaterial is contacted with a bleaching agent for a period of from about1 hour to about 10 hours, such as from about 2 hours to about 8 hours,such as from about 4 hours to about 6 hours. In some embodiments, theunbleached tobacco material is contacted with a bleaching agent at atemperature range of from about 60° C. to about 90° C., such as fromabout 70° C. to about 80° C.

The bleaching agent may be, but is not limited to, chlorine, chlorinedioxide, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, enzymes, oxygen,potassium peroxymonosulfate, dimethyldioxirane, peroxy acids, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the bleaching agent isselected from chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide,ozone, enzymes, or a combination thereof

The bleaching agent may also be constituted by, or at least involve theuse of ultrasound.

In some embodiments, the process further comprises a step of drying thebleached tobacco material. The drying step may be carried out byheating.

For example, in some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching theunbleached tobacco material comprises the steps of:

(i) treating unbleached tobacco material at an acidic pH and at atemperature range of from about 70° C. to about 180° C. with an aqueoussolution of comprising sulfite ion;

(ii) defiberating the tobacco material from step (ii); and

(iii) treating the defiberated tobacco material from step (ii) with aneffective amount of a bleaching agent at a temperature range of fromabout 60° C. to about 90° C.

In some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobaccomaterial comprises steps as described in WO 2015/150506, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some alternative embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching theunbleached tobacco material comprises the steps of:

-   -   (i) mechanically deliberating uncooked tobacco material to        produce a defiberated tobacco material; and    -   (ii) treating the defiberated tobacco material from step (i)        with at least one bleaching agent to product a bleached tobacco        material.

In some embodiments, the step (b) of bleaching the unbleached tobaccomaterial comprises steps as described in WO 2018/083114, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the process further comprises contacting thebleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, theprocess further comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material withan alginate composition. In some embodiments, the process furthercomprises contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and analginate composition.

In some embodiments, the process further comprises contacting thebleached tobacco material (optionally with the guar gum and/or alginatecomposition) with one or more additives selected from the groupconsisting of sodium chloride, xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose,flavoring agents, sodium bicarbonate, API (active pharmaceuticalsubstances), active substances (such as nicotine, cannabis, cannabinoidsor mixtures thereof) food additives, natural or synthetic nutrients,natural medicaments or naturally occurring substances that can have aneffect on humans and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the processfurther comprises contacting the bleached tobacco material (optionallywith the guar gum and/or alginate composition) with nicotine.

In embodiments in which the process comprises contacting the bleachedtobacco material with an alginate composition and/or guar gum, theprocess comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobaccomaterial with one or more additives before and/or during and/or aftercontacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/or alginatecomposition. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-i)of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or more additivesbefore contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum and/oralginate composition. In some embodiments, the process comprises thestep (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one or moreadditives during contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gumand/or alginate composition. In some embodiments, the process comprisesthe step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobacco material with one ormore additives after contacting the bleached tobacco material with guargum and/or alginate composition.

In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-i) of contactingthe bleached tobacco material with one or more additives selected fromthe group consisting of sodium chloride, microcrystalline cellulose, andmixtures thereof during the step of contacting the bleached tobaccomaterial with guar gum and/or alginate composition. In some embodiments,the process comprises the step (b-i) of contacting the bleached tobaccomaterial with one or more additives selected from the group consistingof sodium bicarbonate, flavoring agents, nicotine, and mixtures thereofafter the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gumand/or alginate composition.

In some embodiments, the process further comprises the step (b-ii) ofcontacting the bleached tobacco material with water. In someembodiments, the process further comprises the step (b-ii) of contactingthe bleached tobacco material with water before and/or during and/orafter the step of contacting the bleached tobacco material with guargum. In some embodiments, the process comprises the step (b-ii) ofcontacting the bleached tobacco material with water before the step ofcontacting the bleached tobacco material with guar gum. In someembodiments, the process comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting thebleached tobacco material with water during the step of contacting thebleached tobacco material with guar gum. In some embodiments, theprocess comprises the step (b-ii) of contacting the bleached tobaccomaterial with water after the step of contacting the bleached tobaccomaterial with guar gum.

In some embodiments, the step (c) comprises sieving the bleached tobaccomaterial such that at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobaccomaterial has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the steps (a) and (b) of the process comprises thefollowing steps:

(i) extracting a tobacco material with an aqueous solution to provide atobacco solids material and a tobacco extract;

(ii) treating the tobacco solids material with a caustic wash to providea tobacco pulp;

(iii) bleaching the tobacco pulp with a solution comprising a strongbase, an oxidizing agent, or a combination thereof to provide a bleachedtobacco pulp; and

(iv) drying the bleached tobacco pulp to provide a bleached tobaccomaterial.

In some embodiments, the process further comprises milling the tobaccomaterial before the extraction step such that at least 50% by weight ofthe milled tobacco material has a particle size of at least about 1 mm.In some embodiments, at least 50% by weight of the unbleached tobaccomaterial has a particle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm, such asfrom about 1 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 10 mm,such as from about 2 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, theunbleached tobacco material has the same particle size distribution asthe resultant bleached tobacco material, for example as measured bysieve analysis.

In some embodiments, the process further comprises hydrolyzing thetobacco pulp with acid prior to step (ii). The acid may be sulfuricacid, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the caustic wash comprises sodium hydroxide, potassiumhydroxide or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the bleaching step (iii) comprises treatment with astrong base and an oxidizing agent, and wherein the molar ratio of theamount of strong base to the amount of oxidizing agent is from about 1:1to about 1:100. In some embodiments, the bleaching step (iii) comprisestreatment with one or more of peracetic acid, sodium hydroxide andhydrogen peroxide.

In some embodiments, the steps (a) and (b) of bleaching the unbleachedtobacco material comprises steps as described in U.S. Ser. No.16/227,742, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a smokeless tobaccocomposition obtained or obtainable by the inventive process. In someembodiments, the disclosure provides a smokeless tobacco compositionobtained or obtainable by the process described hereinabove, wherein thesmokeless tobacco composition comprises bleached tobacco material,wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has aparticle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments,the smokeless tobacco composition comprises bleached tobacco materialthat comprises less than about 4 weight-% fermentable carbohydrates,calculated on the dry total weight of the bleached tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco composition is as describedin any one of the embodiments described above.

The disclosure will now be illustrated in closer detail in the followingnon-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A bleached tobacco material was prepared using the following method:

-   -   1. Unbleached tobacco material was cut to have a length and/or        width of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm.    -   2. The tobacco material was defiberated in a mechanical        defibrator.    -   3. The defiberated tobacco material was subjected to acid wash        with sulfuric acid under the following conditions:        -   Pulp concentration: 5%        -   Temperature: 50° C.        -   Time: 60 minutes        -   pH 2.5    -   4. The tobacco material was then bleached under the following        conditions:        -   Pulp concentration: 12%        -   Temperature: 80° C.        -   Time: 150 minutes        -   100 kg peroxyacetic acid/ton of tobacco material        -   pH: 4-6    -   5. The material was then dewatered in centrifuge, and then        chelated with EDTA under the following conditions:        -   Pulp concentration: 5%        -   Temperature 70° C.        -   Time: 60 minutes        -   pH: 5.5        -   5 kg EDTA/ton of tobacco material    -   6. A second bleaching stage was then carried out under the        following conditions:        -   Pulp concentration: 12%        -   Temperature: 90° C.        -   Time: 240 minutes        -   50 kg hydrogen peroxide/ton of tobacco material        -   pH 10.5-11.5—regulated by means of NaOH        -   10 kg MgSO₄/ton of tobacco material    -   7. The composition was then dewatered in centrifuge.    -   8. Finally, the tobacco material was sieved such that at least        50% of the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from        2 mm to 5 mm.

Example 2

A smokeless tobacco composition is prepared having the followingcomposition:

Ingredient % by weight Water 54 Microcrystalline cellulose 36 Bleachedtobacco material of Example 1 2 Sodium chloride 3 Guar gum 3 Nicotine0.2 Sodium alginate 0.8 Flavoring agent 0.5 Sodium bicarbonate 0.5

The composition is prepared using the method as described for Example 1,but with the following additional steps:

-   -   9. The bleached tobacco material is mixed with the guar gum,        salt, sodium bicarbonate, and microcrystalline cellulose.    -   10. The alginate composition is prepared by dissolving the        alginate in water.    -   11. The alginate composition is then mixed with the bleached        tobacco material and other dry ingredients via spray nozzles        under high pressure. The resulting mixture is stirred.    -   12. Nicotine and flavorings are then added and mixed.

It is found that the smokeless tobacco composition could be readilychewed by the user without crumbling or disintegrating in the user'smouth. The product when chewed has a soft dough-like texture, and isreadily moldable/chewable. The product is also found to have a desirablerate of release of the active substances into the user's oral cavitywhen placed under mechanical pressure by chewing.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist inunderstanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments areprovided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are notexhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages,embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or otheraspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on thescope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations onequivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilisedand modifications may be made without departing from the scope of theclaimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitablycomprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriatecombinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts,steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. Inaddition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presentlyclaimed, but which may be claimed in future.

1. A smokeless tobacco composition comprising bleached tobacco material,wherein at least 50% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has aparticle size of from about 1 mm to about 50 mm.
 2. The smokelesstobacco composition according to claim 1, wherein at least 50% by weightof the bleached tobacco material has a particle size of from about 1 mmto about 10 mm.
 3. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim1, wherein at least 90% by weight of the bleached tobacco material has aparticle size of from about 1 mm to about 10 mm.
 4. The smokelesstobacco composition according to claim 1, wherein the bleached tobaccomaterial is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 15% byweight of the smokeless tobacco composition.
 5. The smokeless tobaccocomposition according to claim 1, wherein the bleached tobacco materialcomprises fermentable carbohydrates in an amount of less than about 4%by weight of the bleached tobacco material.
 6. The smokeless tobaccocomposition according to claim 1, further comprising an alginatecomposition distributed in the smokeless tobacco composition, whereinthe alginate composition comprises water and a salt of alginic acid. 7.The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 6, wherein the saltof alginic acid is selected from the group consisting of sodiumalginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, magnesium alginate,ammonium alginate, and mixtures thereof.
 8. The smokeless tobaccocomposition according to claim 6, wherein the alginate compositioncontains an alginate matrix that retains at least a major proportion ofan added substance so long as the matrix is intact, and wherein thealginate matrix is formed so as to disintegrate and/or dissolve in thechemical and physical environment that exists in a user's mouth.
 9. Thesmokeless tobacco composition according to claim 8, wherein the addedsubstance is an active ingredient comprising nicotine.
 10. The smokelesstobacco composition according to claim 1, further comprising guar gum.11. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 10, wherein theguar gum is present in an amount of from about 1% to about 15% by weightof the smokeless tobacco composition.
 12. The smokeless tobaccocomposition according to claim 10, wherein the guar gum is present in anamount of from about 2% to about 10% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition.
 13. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 1,wherein the smokeless tobacco composition comprises water in an amountof from about 40% to about 60% by weight of the smokeless tobaccocomposition.
 14. The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 1,wherein the smokeless tobacco composition comprises nicotine in additionto any nicotine naturally present in the bleached tobacco material. 15.The smokeless tobacco composition according to claim 1, wherein thesmokeless tobacco composition is an oral smokeless tobacco composition.16. A process for the production of a smokeless tobacco composition asdefined in claim 1, the process comprising the steps of: (a) providingan unbleached tobacco material; (b) bleaching the unbleached tobaccomaterial to form the bleached tobacco material; and (c) recovering thebleached tobacco material, such that the at least 50% by weight of thebleached tobacco material has the particle size of from about 1 mm toabout 50 mm.
 17. The process according to claim 16, wherein the step (b)of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the step oftreating the unbleached tobacco material with an effective amount of ableaching agent.
 18. The process according to claim 17, wherein the step(b) of bleaching the unbleached tobacco material comprises the steps of:(i) treating the unbleached tobacco material at an acidic pH with anacid; and (ii) contacting the unbleached tobacco material with thebleaching agent at a temperature range of from about 50° C. to about 95°C.
 19. The process according to claim 1, wherein at least 50% by weightof the unbleached tobacco material has a particle size of at least about1 mm.
 20. A smokeless tobacco composition obtained or obtainable by theprocess according to claim 16.